Giant tumor removed from 99-year-old patient's face

(Dan Tri) - A 99-year-old patient in Thanh Hoa with a giant tumor on his face was successfully operated on by doctors at Thanh Hoa Oncology Hospital.

Previously, on October 22, an elderly woman named LTC (born in 1926), in Trung Hau village, Hoang Phu commune, Thanh Hoa province, was hospitalized with a large tumor on the left side of her face, causing pain, facial deformity, and greatly affecting her daily life for many years.

Image of patient before surgery (Photo: Thanh Hoa Oncology Hospital).

The biopsy results confirmed that this was adenoid basal cell carcinoma - a rare form of skin cancer.

According to doctors, because the patient is old and has many underlying diseases, anesthesia and surgery are potentially risky.

In response to the treatment wishes of the patient and his family, the doctors of the Department of Head and Neck Surgery held a hospital-wide consultation, carefully assessing the patient's condition and health to come up with the optimal plan.

“The surgery was completed successfully. The tumor was widely removed, weighing about 0.5 kg, important structures such as the facial nerve and parotid duct were preserved, ensuring the patient's function and aesthetics,” said Dr. Nguyen Quang Hung, Deputy Director of Thanh Hoa Oncology Hospital.

According to Dr. Hung, basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, grows slowly, and originates from the basal cells in the outermost layer of the skin.

The disease is common in the elderly, especially in exposed skin areas exposed to sunlight such as the nose, cheeks, and temples. Although it rarely metastasizes, the disease can invade locally if not treated promptly, causing tissue destruction and facial deformity.

“Mr. C. is the oldest patient with a large tumor to ever undergo surgery at the hospital. Just a few days after surgery, Mr. C. was able to eat and talk with his relatives. After nearly 2 weeks of treatment, on November 3, Mr. C. was discharged from the hospital,” Dr. Hung informed.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/cat-bo-khoi-u-khong-lo-tren-mat-benh-nhan-99-tuoi-20251105101608514.htm